What is it about?

We collected blood samples from loggerhead turtles captured in pelagic longlines to assess the physiological consequences of interactions with this type of fishing gear. Turtles captured in longline gear experience in blood loss, induction of a systemic stress response, and a moderate increase in lactate.

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Why is it important?

Bycatch of endangered loggerhead turtles in longline fishing gear results in high rates of post-release mortality that may negatively impact populations. Our findings underscore the importance of best practices gear removal to promote survival in longline-captured turtles.

Perspectives

These data provide important insight as to the potential mechanisms underlying delayed mortality of sea turtles released from longline fishing gear.

Dr Amanda Southwood Williard
UNCW

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Physiological ramifications for loggerhead turtles captured in pelagic longlines, Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, October 2015, Royal Society Publishing,
DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2015.0607.
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